Tag Archives: Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Commercial Properties, Inc. (CPI) announced the land lease of approximately 7.5 acres for the future development of approximately 100,000 SF multi-tenant industrial buildings located on the corner of Sossaman Road & Velocity Way and just south of the airport terminal. Leroy Breinholt and David Bean of CPI’s Tempe Industrial Group represented both Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Cavan Commercial, and will retain the lease listing of the completed project.

Michael Merk, Director of the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Authority commented, “Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is one of the fastest growing regional hub airports in the U.S., flying over 1.45 million passengers annually. Currently it’s home to Allegiant Airlines, Arizona State Polytechnic University, Chandler Gilbert Community College.”

Breinholt and Bean are working closely with Cavan Commercial consulting on the proposed designs of the multi-phase industrial project which is starting construction in early 2015. LGE Design Group is going to design and build the project which includes more expansion options in the future.

Merk added, “According to population and growth estimates from the Maricopa Association of Governments, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and surrounding areas will boast over 100,000 new jobs by 2035, making it one of the largest employment centers in the state of Arizona.”

Dale Cavan, of Cavan Commercial, commented, “We are excited to expand into this rapidly growing submarket in Arizona which needs new product to meet increasing demand. We identified the need for more manufacturing space as available inventory continues to shrink and rental rates climb higher. Along with the prospect of bringing more jobs, this project will offer new tenants industrial/office suites with truckwells, secured storage yards, and large grade level doors, which are highly sought after in this product type.”

Gov. Jan Brewer has done a lot to make Arizona more competitive for manufacturing, economic development leaders say.

“The repeal of the energy sales tax on gas and electricity is very big for us,” says Mark Dobbins, co-chairman of the Arizona Manufacturing Partnership at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “We have a business friendly reputation and this change makes a big difference in our attractiveness to manufacturing.”

But there is one piece of the puzzle that still creates concern.

“Businesses wanting to relocate to Arizona are impressed with the business-friendly climate in the state,” Dobbins continues. “The question I hear most is, ‘Will I find an educated and experienced workforce for my business?’”

Concerns over education bring the Partnership and other economic development advocates around to the next focus — a quality, educated workforce to serve Arizona’s growing job demand. The conversation started with business, the community colleges, state universities and schools during the depths of the recession.

“The tax cut makes a major difference for a corporation,” says Barry Broome, CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Tesla, if it locates here, saves $30 million to $40 million a year with that bill in place.”

Broome considers SB1413 the most important bill for business in the current session. “The (manufacturers electricity sales tax) exemption brings us in line with most of the rest of the country; only 15 states had such a tax. For big power users, this is a make-or-break proposition. High technology companies spend more on power than payroll.”

“Continuous innovation is what keeps Arizona competitive in manufacturing,” says Sandra Watson, CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We believe that the future is in research and development and Arizona has one of the most competitive R&D tax credits in the country.”

The ACA manages that tax credit and it’s not handed out lightly or just for large manufacturers. The state has seen much of its manufacturing employment growth, now six percent of the workforce, from the smaller businesses. The ACA makes the credit available to any sized qualifying firm.

The state’s manufacturing history is sometimes lost in the ads for golf courses and new subdivisions. “We have a history of solid manufacturing in the state that goes back 50 or 60 years,” recounts Steve Macias, president and CEO of Pivot Manufacturing, Arizona Commerce Authority board member, and chairman of the Arizona Manufacturers Council, which falls under the umbrella of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This gives us a solid workforce with experience, ability and productivity that is a plus for any manufacturer wanting to relocate or expand.

In addition to the cut on the utility sales tax, SB1484 was another breakthrough for manufacturers. The bill created energy tax credits that can be claimed by manufacturers generating renewable energy to power Arizona operations.

Dobbins says that Arizona has all the right assets in place for manufacturing today, but can’t rest on what we have now for the future. “We need to invest more to build our assets up,” he says. “We need a lot of work to build our competitive logistics infrastructure.”

He lists logistics where the state needs to invest more money and projects. “We’re in great shape when it comes to passenger traffic with Sky Harbor and (Phoenix-Mesa) Gateway airports. We need to do more for air freight.”

Dobbins believes Arizona’s manufacturing future is in building our exports with Canada, Mexico and South America. He’s not alone in that view. State Transportation Board Member Joseph La Rue emphasizes the same position. “Interstate 11 makes this market a crossroads. Right now, we’re just connected to the east and west.”

The state is taking effective action, says Macias. “With the change in (sales tax on energy) and (research and development) tax credit, we’re a state that is very appealing to a capital intensive business. Arizona is moving in the right direction.”

Arizona’s manufacturing opportunities are spread across the state. Most people think of Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma as the places where the businesses cluster, but small manufacturers are seeing emerging markets in Flagstaff, Prescott and Kingman, according to Dobbins.

With the tax credits and incentives offered through the ACA and some local governments, Macias says a small manufacturer can take advantage of an underemployed workforce in a rural area. Arizona provides significant tax credits and incentives for businesses to train and develop their employees. These come through ACA and the Department of Economic Security Workforce Arizona programs.

“We’ve always had aerospace, defense and semiconductors as our base,” says Broome. “We’re starting to build manufacturing industry clusters in high technology glass. GT Advanced Technology in Mesa and Rioglass Solar Steel in Surprise are a start. Once businesses start to cluster, more become interested because it means there’s a growing, skilled workforce.”

“We need to do more to build our workforce,” says Dobbins. “Arizona has consistently underfunded education and we’re paying that cost now. Common Core standards will give us a business-accepted measure of how our workforce stacks up. We don’t just mean in college education, but also in the important areas of technical education.”

“Common Core (education standards) are driven by business so that there is a national standard of comparison,” says Macias. “We’ve been working on the need for a trained and educated workforce so that we don’t slip into a deep recession in the future. We were too dependent on construction.”
Arizona needs to get the word out, experts say.

“When people come in to Sky Harbor, they’re overwhelmed with ads for golf, resorts and housing,” muses Macias. “That’s why they’re here in the winter. We need to overwhelm them with a message of what we do in Arizona. We do a lot, and we do it very well.

The new Four Points by Sheraton will be a 74KSF, 134 key, six-story hotel owned by the Gila River Indian Community and developed by the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority. The hotel will be managed by Starwood and will fly under the Four Points flag. The hotel is the key anchor of the Toka Sticks development, and the facility will include a bar & restaurant, private dining, fitness room, 2KSF of meeting and event space (indoor and outdoor) and is scheduled to open early 2015. The historical 160-acre Toka Sticks 18-hole golf course will receive several upgrades, and boast a new replacement 3,900 SF club house, pro shop, grill and patio, along with a state of the art 4KSF cart barn, scheduled to be completed late 2014. The existing Toka Sticks Golf Course will remain open during construction. A convenience store/fuel station is also included as part of the Toka Sticks development, and will incorporate the former Toka Sticks Smoke Shop with a convenient drive-thru option. The 4KSF convenience store and fuel station is scheduled to open later this year.

Through a joint effort led by Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, Able Aerospace Services and SRP, industry leaders at next week’s MRO Americas convention in Phoenix will gain a birds-eye view of expansion and relocation opportunities in the Valley. The opportunity comes courtesy of a VIP aerial helicopter tour, as well as a reception and tour at Able Aerospace Services—a $20 million build-to-suit success story at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

“We are extremely proud of our relocation to Gateway, not only because of our expansion into a state-of-the-art facility but also because of the partnership that this building represents,” said Lee Benson, CEO of Able Aerospace Services. “This was a collaboration in every sense. We are honored to share our story with others in our industry who might benefit from these same opportunities.”

A total of three VIP tours will depart from downtown Phoenix on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 on a Bell 212 helicopter provided by event partner SRP. The tour will fly participants over Greater Phoenix for an aerial view of the Valley, then make an intermediate stop at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for a reception and tour of the new $20 million Able Aerospace Services headquarters—an industry leading repair, overhaul, design and manufacturing facility, and a leading aftermarket supplier of FAA-approved replacement parts.

The Able event will include a short presentation on the cost savings incentives that made its new facility possible, and provide an opportunity for guests to talk directly with local leaders and partners in the MRO aerial tour, including the City of Phoenix, City of Mesa, Town of Gilbert, Town of Queen Creek, City of Apache Junction and the Gila River Indian Community. The return flight will fly over Falcon Field, then back to downtown Phoenix.

“This is a truly unique way for us to share Greater Phoenix’s regional assets with aerospace leaders from across the globe,” said Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Business Development Director Michael Merk. “In the span of about 100 minutes, we will showcase the best and brightest of our development and expansion opportunities—from the sky and from the state-of-the-art Able Aerospace Services operation that has made Gateway Airport a true manufacturing destination.”

MRO Americas provides a world-class venue for the aviation/aerospace industry to exchange ideas, share best practices, gain knowledge, generate new business leads and cement existing relationships with other commercial air transport, maintenance, repair and overhaul leaders. The three-day event is held at a different U.S. location each year. This year, it is being held April 8 – 10 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Jane Morris, A.A.E., executive director of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, will be the speaker at the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED)’s July luncheon on Tuesday, July 9 from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at 2901 N. Seventh St. in Phoenix.

Morris, who was named executive director in March, will discuss Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport’s economic impact on the region.

The cost of the luncheon is $40 for AAED members and guests and $50 for non-members and late registrants. To register, visit aaedjuly9th.evenbrite.com. For more information, call AAED at (602) 240-AAED (2233) or visit aaed.com.

Registration deadline is Friday, July 5. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.

AAED was originally founded in 1974 as the Arizona Association for Industrial Development (AAID). The organization, which was dedicated to expanding the industrial and economic base of Arizona, changed to its current name in 1991 to better reflect its broader mission.

Brent Moser, Mike Sutton and Brooks Griffith with Cassidy Turley Arizona’s Land Group represented the buyer during the transaction.

The $25M sale included three parcels that were part of an original assemblage of four properties totaling more than 900 acres put together between 2005 and 2007 by Paragon. A majority of the land eventually went back to lenders.

The ±610-acre purchase by Buckeye Casa Grande LP included ±310-acres on the SEC of Pecos and Ellsworth that was sold by Enterprise Bank, ±229-acres on the NWC of Pecos and Ellsworth that was sold by GKK Williams Gateway and ±72-acres on the SWC of Pecos and Ellsworth that closed December 31, 2012. The seller on the final parcel is a private land owner.

Buckeye Casa Grande LP will develop the site with build-to-suit projects that will continue to expand on the growing employment base in the Gateway submarket. The City of Mesa and its Economic Development Director, William Jabjiniak, have been instrumental in the continued development of businesses and employment in the area.

Zoned M-1 and C-2, City of Mesa, the property has Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation offering tariff and tax relief to companies that operate within the zone. Buckeye Casa Grande LP has retained Cassidy Turley as the marketing agent for the properties, with Mike Haenel and Andy Markham, SIOR, with Cassidy Turley’s Industrial Group working in conjunction with Moser, Sutton and Griffith.

The growth and success of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, located on the western edge of the assemblage, was a key factor in the buyers’ decision process for selecting the property. More than 40 companies call the airport home as well as three airlines, Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit Airlines offering non-stop service to more than 38 cities.

The Master Plan forecast for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport forecasts enplanements to reach 850,000 by 2017 and more than 2.2M by 2027.

When Arizona became a state 100 years ago, it was easy to identify its economic engines, those industries, innovators and locations that drove the state’s economy and employment.

They all started with C — copper, cotton, citrus, cattle and climate.
A decade later, it’s not so easy.

“We must find ways to diversify our economy, including investing in bioscience and technology, health science and innovation,” Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton says. “We are coming out of the recession, and we need to move forward in a strategic way.”

Today’s economic engines are doing just that. They innovate, they collaborate, and the only one that starts with C is CityScape, and the only copper you’ll find there is Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen and the cotton is at Urban Outfitters.

But today’s economic engines have to clear vision and direction for driving Arizona’s economy during its second century.

The Biodesign Institute at ASUWhat it is: The Biodesign Institute at ASU addresses today’s critical global challenges in healthcare, sustainability and security by developing solutions inspired from natural systems and translating those solutions into commercially viable products and clinical practices.Economic impact: The Biodesign Institute has met or exceeded all of the business goals set in mid-2003 by attracting more than $300 million in external funding since inception, and generating more than $200 million in proposals advanced in 2011 alone.Companies it has helped grow: Licensed next-generation respiratory sensor technology to a European medical device developer; executed an exclusive license agreement for DNA sequencing technology to Roche, which includes a sponsored research agreement to develop devices in collaboration with Roche and IBM; and launched two Biodesign Commercial Translation companies.Latest news: Led by electrical engineer, Nongjian Tao, ASU researchers have formulated a new sensor technology that will allow them to design and create a handheld sensor that can contribute to better diagnosis of asthma.
Michael Birt, director of the Center for Sustainable Health at the Biodesign Institute at ASU: “By establishing biosignatures centers, we hope to build a global network that will provide the scale necessary to overcome scientific limitations while creating a global platform to share methods, results and experiences.”

CityScapeWhat it is: A highrise mixed-use development in Downtown Phoenix consisting of residential, retail, office, and hotel components. The project covers three downtown Phoenix city blocks and is located between First Avenue and First Street, and between Washington and Jefferson streets.Economic impact: Officials credit the evolution of Downtown Phoenix — led by CityScape — with helping the Valley land the 2015 Super Bowl, which will bring an economic impact of an estimated $500 million.Companies it has helped grow: In addition to entertainment venues and top-notch restaurants, business leaders calling CityScape home include Alliance Bank, Cantor Law Group, Fidelity Title, Gordon Silver, Gust Rosenfeld, Jennings, Strouss and Salmon, PLC, Polsinelli Shughart, RED Development, Squire Sanders and UnitedHealthcare.Latest news: The 250-room boutique hotel, Hotel Palomar Phoenix by Kimpton, opened in June.Jeff Moloznik, general manager, CityScape: “The most progressive and entrepreneurial talent in the Valley have convened at CityScape. The impact our tenants’ businesses have brought to Downtown Phoenix is noticeable and significant. In an area that once lacked a central core, there is now energy, creativity, enterprise and excitement all day, every day in once central location.”

Intel

What it is: Intel is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices.Economic impact: Since 1996, Intel has invested more than $12 billion in high-tech manufacturing capability in Arizona and spent more than $450 million each year in research and development. Intel is investing another $5 billion in its Chandler site to manufacture its industry-leading, next-generation 14 nanometer technology.
Companies it has helped grow: Intel has been a catalyst for helping to create Chandler’s “tech corridor,” which includes Freescale, Microchip Technology, Orbital Sciences, Avnet, Amkor, and Marvell Technologies.Latest news: Intel and ASU’s College of Technology and Innovation (CTI) are developing a customized engineering degree for some of the chip maker’s Arizona-based employees. The program is based on CTI’s modular, project-based curriculum and upon completion will provide a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering degree from ASU, with a focus in materials science.Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny: Intel likes the partnership it has with Chandler, likes doing business in Arizona, and they’re a very good corporate citizen.”

Phoenix Mesa-Gateway Airport

What it is: Formerly Williams Gateway Airport (1994–2008) and Williams Air Force Base (1941–1993), it is a commercial airport located in the southeastern area of Mesa.Economic impact: The airport helped generate $685 million in economic benefits last year, and the airport supports more than 4,000 jobs in the region.Companies it has helped grow: Able Engineering & Component Services, Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, Embraer, CMC Steel, TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc..
Latest news: The Airport Authority’s Board of Directors announced Monday the airport will undergo a $1.4 billion expansion. There is also an effort to privately raise $385 million to build two hotels and office and retail space near the airport.Mesa Mayor Scott Smith: “Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has gone through tremendous growth and expansion and has truly arrived as a major transportation center in the Valley.”

SkySong

What it is: A 1.2-million-square-feet mixed use space that gives entrepreneurs and innovators the resources they need to grow and thrive, and provide them an exceptional home for when their businesses begin to take off.Economic impact: Projected to generate more than $9.3 billion in economic growth over the next 30 years, according to an updated study by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.Companies it has helped grow: Emerge.MD, Channel Intelligence, Adaptive Curriculum, Alaris, Jobing.com/Blogic, webFilings.Latest news: Jobing, an online company that connects employers and job seekers nationally, relocated its corporate headquarters from Phoenix to SkySong.Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane: “It is hard to think of a business attraction initiative the city has recently used that has not mentioned SkySong as a major attribute. SkySong has a national reputation and as it grows it will continue to elevate Scottsdale’s standing.”

Talking Stick

What it is: This economic engine encompasses a complex that includes the 497-room Talking Stick Resort, Courtyard Marriott Scottsdale Salt River, Casino Arizona at Talking Stick Resort, Talking Stick Golf Club, and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the spring training home of the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks.Economic impact: Salt Rivers Fields аt Talking Stick accounted fоr 22 percent оf the the attendance for Cactus League baseball, which generates more thаn $300 million а yeаr іn economic impact tо the greater Phoenix metropolitan area economy.Companies it has helped grow: In 2011, nearby Scottsdale Pavilions — which features 1.1 million square feet of select retail and mixed-use properties — became The Pavilions at Talking Stick. Pavilions has added Hobby Lobby, Mountainside Fitness, Buffalo Wild Wings and Hooters.Latest news: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick will be one of the ballparks selected to host the first round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic in the spring.David Hielscher, advertising manager, Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort: “Our property’s diverse, entertainment-driven culture and convenient locations allow us limitless opportunities for future expansion and development.”

Translational Genomics Research Institute

What it is: TGen is a non-profit genomics research institute that seeks to employ genetic discoveries to improve disease outcomes by developing smarter diagnostics and targeted therapeutics.Economic impact: TGen provides Arizona with a total annual economic impact of $137.7 million, according to the results of an independent analysis done by Tripp Umbach, a national leader in economic forecasting.Companies it has helped grow: TGen researchers have collaborated with Scottsdale Healthcare, Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Ascalon International Inc., MCS Biotech Resources LLC, Semafore Pharmaceuticals Inc., Silamed Inc., Stromaceutics Inc., SynDevRx Inc., and Translational Accelerator LLC (TRAC). and many others.
Latest news: When TGen-generated business spin-offs and commercialization are included, Tripp Umbach predicts that in 2012 TGen will produce $47.06 for every $1 of state investment, support 3,723 jobs, result in $21.1 million in state tax revenues, and have a total annual economic impact of $258.8 million.Michael Bidwill, president of the Arizona Cardinals: “TGen is one of this state’s premier medical research and economic assets, and is a standard-bearer for promoting everything that is positive and forward-looking about Arizona.”

University of Arizona’s Tech Park

What it is: The University of Arizona Science and Technology Park (UA Tech Park) sits on 1,345 acres in Southeast Tucson. Almost 2 million square feet of space has been developed featuring high tech office, R&D and laboratory facilities.Economic impact: In 2009, the businesses that call Tech Park home had an economic impact of $2.67 billion in Pima County. This included $1.81 billion in direct economic impacts such as wages paid and supplies and services purchased and $861 million in indirect and induced dollar impacts. In total, the Tech Park and its companies generated 14,322 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced).Companies it has helped grow: IBM, Raytheon, Canon USA, Citigroup, NP Photonics, and DILAS Diode Laser.Latest news: A 38.5-acre photovoltaic array is the latest addition to the Solar Zone technology demonstration area at Tech Park. Power generated from the facility will be sold to Tucson Electric Power Co., providing power for about 1,000 homes.Bruce Wright, associate vice president for University Research Parks: “By 2011, the park had recaptured this lost employment (resulting from the recession) with total employment increasing to 6,944. In addition, the number of tenants had expanded from 50 to 52 reflecting the addition of new companies in the Arizona Center for Innovation and the development of the Solar Zone at the Tech Park.”

Fulton Homes wants Midwestern and Canadian travelers to feel at home this winter the minute they step off the plane. Travelers flying into Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport will be greeted by a welcoming lounge set up as a life-size Fulton Homes living room next to the baggage claim area.

The unique lounge measures 40 feet long and eight feet wide, and features a trio of custom, Fulton Homes-logoed couches and loveseats. Five six foot-by-four foot windows offer faux views of the picturesque Arizona landscape. The lounge opens Oct. 1 and will remain at the airport until April.

“This is a unique way for Fulton Homes to showcase our homes to the Canadian and Midwestern visitors who are arriving here in greater numbers every year,” Doug Fulton, Fulton Homes CEO, said. “Not only will visitors have a place to sit and rest while their baggage is being delivered, but they can learn more about Fulton Homes and the many options they have to buy their first or second home here in the Valley.”

While waiting for their baggage, travelers will have the opportunity to hear testimonials from satisfied Fulton Homes’ owners by clicking on an interactive QR code assigned to photos hung on the walls of the lounge. The living room area also features both Canadian and American flags.

Fulton Homes ranks in the top five in homebuilders sales, according to the 2011 RL Brown Reports, and has constructed more than 20,000 homes in the Valley since 1975. For more information on Fulton Homes, go to the company web site at www.fultonhomes.com.

Spirit Airlines is kicking off its new service and Denver International Airport and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

The Florida-based low cost carrier will have one daily non-stop each way beginning Thursday. The flights leave Denver at midmorning each day and leave the east Phoenix suburb of Mesa for the return late in the morning.

Spirit touts low fares but makes up some of the difference with fees that account for 40 percent of its revenue. The average customer pays more than $100 per round trip in fees.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport’s Executive Director, Lynn F. Kusy announced his retirement plans at Monday’s Board of Directors meeting. His final day of employment is expected to be March 15, 2013.

“I have been honored to be a part of Gateway’s success over the past 20 years,” Kusy said. “And I deeply value the relationships I have developed along the way. Gateway Airport is well positioned to continue its tradition of outstanding safety, job development, and customer service to the region and the nation. At this point in my life, however, I have decided that the time is right to retire. I look forward to actively leading the excellent staff of the Airport until the selection process is complete.”

Under Kusy’s supervision, Gateway Airport developed from a fledgling decommissioned Air Force Base to the Department of Defense’s premier model for Base Reuse.

“The Air Force left and the East Valley lost 3,800 jobs and $300 million in annual economic impact,” said Roc Arnett, president of East Valley Partnership. “Today, the Airport supports over 4,100 jobs and has an annual impact of $685 million, making Gateway Airport an economic engine for the East Valley.”

The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority is in the process of engaging an executive recruitment firm to assist in the selection of Kusy’s successor. The selection process is expected to be completed by March 2013.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has named Michael Merk as its new Manager of Real Estate and Business Development — responsible for airport property management, terminal advertising and concessions, leasing, and real estate development.

“The expansion of our Business Development team further strengthens our ability to promote available assets and expand the economic impact of the Airport,” said Lynn Kusy, executive director of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

Merk has 28 years of real estate and business development experience and was most recently the Director of Real Estate for BAX Global Inc. where he managed real estate operations for a four million square-foot international real estate portfolio consisting of 120 buildings in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. His most recent accomplishments include the completion of supply chain facilities at DFW Airport, JFK, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Allegiant has announced new, nonstop jet service between Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Honolulu International Airport (HNL) beginning February 8, 2013. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service with fares as low as $199.00 one way.

“We are pleased to bring another affordable and convenient travel option to Phoenix-Mesa,” said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President. “We are confident area residents will appreciate the convenience of flying nonstop to Hawaii and the value of bundling their air, hotel and car rental reservation together.”

“This is exciting news because Hawaii is a destination near the top of the list for travelers,” Mesa Mayor and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Authority Chair Scott Smith said. “It also shows that Gateway is growing and maturing as an airport and we look forward to announcing even more great destinations.”

The new flights will operate three times a week between Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA) and Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Flight days and times can be found at allegiant.com.

Hawaii is like no place else. With perfect weather year-round, six unique islands, and some of the most breathtaking views in the world, Hawaii is a vacationer’s dream. Allegiant partners with many of the area’s most exciting hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car, and offers great deals on activities. Phoenix-Mesa travelers can now book their entire Hawaiian vacation for less by visiting allegiant.com.

Reservations can be made on the company’s website at allegiant.com or by calling the company’s travel experts at 702-505-8888.

Allegiant announced new, nonstop jet service between Ogden, Utah and Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz. will begin September, 20, 2012. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service with fares as low as $69.99* one way between the two cities.

“We’re pleased to bring an affordable and convenient travel option to Ogden,” Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President, said. “We are confident residents of the area will appreciate flying nonstop to Phoenix and take advantage of the great deals we offer on hotels, car rentals and tickets to area attractions.”

“Northern Utah wins now that Allegiant is starting scheduled air service to Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona with convenience and low fares from the Ogden Airport,” stated Royal Eccles, Airport Manager at Ogden Airport. “The airport is looking to become the value leader for all types of travelers and the gateway to our year round high adventure recreation areas.”

The new flights will operate twice weekly between Ogden Airport (OGD) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA), beginning September 20, 2012.

Ogden area travelers can take advantage of everyday low fares and save even more when they book air, hotel, car and even activity and attraction reservations together. For flight schedules and reservations please visit allegiant.com.

With breathtaking scenery, endless sun, unmatched resorts and miles of world-class golf courses, Phoenix-Mesa is a gateway to all that Arizona has to offer, including the Grand Canyon, Scottsdale, Tempe and Sedona. Not only is the area considered “The Golf Capital of the World,” but also the “Resort Capital of the World,” with numerous four- and five-diamond resorts. These premier resort communities feature shopping, dining, spa, activities and luxury accommodations for the perfect getaway to Arizona’s unique Southwestern hospitality.

Find out more about nonstop jet service from Ogden to Phoenix at Allegient’s website. Reservations can be made at allegiant.com or by calling the company’s travel experts at 702-505-8888.

To accommodate passenger service over the next 20 years and beyond, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport outlined four distinct phases of new terminal development at an estimated total cost of $1.4B during a session of the Airport Authority’s Board of Directors meeting.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is among the fastest growing hub airports in the U.S., accommodating 956,665 total passengers in 2011 and forecasting 1.3M in 2012. To accommodate the rapid rise in passenger service, the Airport’s current terminal facility has transitioned through four expansion projects in as many years.

Current passenger trends indicate the existing terminal facilities and infrastructure on the Airport’s west side will be at full capacity as early as 2014. In response, the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Northeast Area Development Plan was initiated. The plan, titled “Gateway 2030” by the Airport Executive Director at a recent Board of Director’s meeting, was prepared by the Jacobs Engineering Group in collaboration with Airport staff; Federal, State and local officials; development industry experts; and major land owners near the Airport over a 20-month period that began in October 2009.

Phase One

Gateway 2030 will be executed in four phases as demand warrants expansion. The first phase will include a single-level terminal and concourse with 14 aircraft gates, surface parking for 4,375 vehicles, airfield improvements, partial construction of a circulation roadway, and related infrastructure improvements. Phase One will be designed to accommodate up to 3M total passengers a year. The timing for completion of Phase One is demand-based but expected to be operational as early as 2017. The estimated cost for this phase is $344M.

Phase Two

Phase Two expands Phase One development, making the terminal facility capable of accommodating up to 4.4M passengers annually. Detailed expansion includes: four additional gates, extension of the circulation roadway, expanded surface parking to 10,500 vehicles, and a 1,000-feet extension of Runway 12L/30R. The estimated cost of this phase is $145M.

Phase Three

Phase Three increases the terminal capacity to 10M passengers annually and expands the terminal facilities to two levels and 30 total aircraft gates. Parking facilities include multilevel garages and planning for light rail service. Completion timing has not been determined. The estimated cost of this phase is $963M.

Phase Four

Phase Four completes the Plan and all related project efforts, enabling the airport to accommodate up to 20M passengers annually. Phase Four enhancements are expected to include a total of 60 aircraft gates, 21,000 vehicle parking spaces, and dual landside terminal arrival and departure curbs on two levels. Since Phase Four activities likely will not be undertaken until 2030 or beyond, no cost estimates have been forecast.

“Airport staff recognizes that we are stewards of an incredible community asset and we’re working hard to make it the best it can be,” said Airport Authority Executive Director, Lynn Kusy. “The Gateway 2030 project represents a significant step in achieving the Airport’s potential as it outlines the critical steps needed to meet forecast passenger demand.”

Potential funding sources for Gateway 2030 include the Federal Aviation Administration, Arizona Department of Transportation, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority member government contributions, and Airport resources such as passenger facility charges and bonds.

The Plan also forecasts $385M in private development which is expected to be spent on 2.5 MSF of office/retail space and two hotels producing 600 rooms.

DMB Associates broke ground on what is being touted as one of the next biggest economic engines for the Valley – its newest community, Eastmark.

The ceremony, held near the intersection of Ray and Ellsworth roads in Mesa, was attended by about 50 people, including partners, DMB Associates executives and East Valley leaders, including Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and Councilman Scott Somers.

“This is not only the start of a community, but decades of meaningful development,” said Dea McDonald, DMB senior vice president and Eastmark general manager. “Today’s event represents the culmination of years of planning and preparation for the property, which spans five square miles.

“For years, DMB has been reclaiming and recycling materials from the former proving grounds, including miles of track and tons of building materials. Now, we’re building Eastmark’s community infrastructure – the streets, utilities and early amenities to prepare for future businesses and the homebuilders who will debut their newest homes at Eastmark early next year.”

Added DMB President Charley Freericks: “The groundbreaking of our first phase is an important milestone for DMB and a positive indicator for Arizona’s recovering real estate market. The sounds of construction equipment signifies the start of the new heart and hub of the East Valley.

The first residential phase of Eastmark includes an interactive welcome center/community center, approximately 700 single-family homes and the initial phase of the 100-acre Great Park. This central amenity will provide recreation opportunities for residents and visitors and will ultimately connect the residential phase to schools and businesses. Eastmark’s first homes are scheduled for opening in the spring of 2013.

While much has been done to set the framework for development, DMB envisions an evolving community that earns the designation as the cultural, educational and economic core of the region. Eastmark will integrate residential areas, resort components, employment cores and commerce.

“Eastmark represents an incredible and unique opportunity for large-scale community development. Its strategic location and existing healthcare, education and transportation infrastructure align to make Eastmark the most desirable place in the region,” said Drew Brown, DMB’s chairman and founder. “These important amenities, along with our unique brand of placemaking, will create a quality of life that transforms Eastmark into a sought-after community for families and a nationally competitive location for employers.”

Eastmark is Arizona’s newest planned community situated on 3,200 acres in the center of the Gateway area, connected to the larger Southeast Valley, and anchored by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, businesses and educational institutions. DMB acquired the property, which formerly served as the General Motors Proving Grounds, in 2006.

Spirit Airlines (NASDAQ: SAVE) has started daily non-stop service between Boston Logan International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and daily non-stop service between Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport with continuing service to Fort Lauderdale.

To celebrate, Spirit is offering $28.79 fares, which is a $9.00 base fare plus taxes and fees,* from Dallas/Fort Worth to Boston and Phoenix-Mesa (each way based on roundtrip purchase) available today and tomorrow at www.spirit.com.

“We’re all about giving customers the opportunity to save money on air travel and today travelers from throughout Dallas/Fort Worth, Boston and Phoenix have the opportunity to take advantage of our ultra low fares to even more destinations,” said Spirit’s Chief Marketing Officer Barry Biffle.

“Spirit’s launch of flights from DFW to Boston Logan and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport means more good news for our passengers in the form of more choices and great fares,” said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW International Airport. “We’re glad to see Spirit Airlines continue to expand at DFW, because that shows its strong commitment to the Dallas/Fort Worth community.”

“We are extremely pleased that Spirit Airlines has started seasonal daily service from Logan International Airport to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport,” said Massport Director of Aviation Edward C. Freni. “Since beginning service in summer 2006, Spirit has continued to grow its successful niche in Boston and we welcome their continued success and competitive fares for our customers.”

“I want to thank Spirit Airlines for recognizing the opportunity to bring daily service from Gateway to Dallas/Fort Worth,” Gilbert Mayor and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board Chairman John Lewis, said. “I know the people of this region appreciate the nonstop, low-cost flights and will support the service. The continuing route to Fort Lauderdale will also be quite popular with Valley residents.”

“Just last month we celebrated Spirit’s first flight into Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport from Las Vegas,” Mayor Scott Smith said. “I am happy to see Dallas/Fort Worth as the next great destination for travelers. And to those heading our way, welcome to Mesa.”

Most everyone knows Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is an economic engine for the state, but the actual numbers are nothing short of staggering.

One of the 10 busiest airports in the nation for U.S. passenger traffic, Sky Harbor had a $33 billion economic impact in Arizona in 2007, supporting 305,136 jobs through the Phoenix Airport System with a payroll of $11.9 billion. This includes airline employees, food service, security and air traffic control personnel. Currently, more than 33,500 people are employed at Sky Harbor with a payroll of $1.7 billion.

According to the Arizona Airports Association, more than 470,000 Arizona jobs are related directly or indirectly to aviation with an annual payroll of $14.7 billion. The aviation industry facilitates further economic development by bringing visitors and newcomers to the state and provides vital links for transportation services that add value to the region.

Over the past few years, our local airports have made tremendous strides in becoming more environmentally sustainable. For example, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport’s terminal expansions are energy-efficient and can support solar panels installations. Scottsdale Airport reuses materials for pavement projects and installs LED systems for airfield lighting replacements. Additionally, there are plans underway for a new airport operations center, which will be built in accordance with the city of Scottsdale’s green building standards. Phoenix Sky Harbor also has incorporated a number of green initiatives including reducing energy use through greener construction and energy-efficient buildings, using alternative fuels and finding ways to cut back on overall waste.

As an aside, I’m honored and excited to be a participant in the fifth PHX Aviation Academy sponsored by the Support Sky Harbor Coalition in association with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department. This eight-week program offers a rare opportunity to go behind and above the scenes of PHX. For example, last month I found myself in the cockpit of the Air National Guard’s workhorse Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker! And at the end of this month I’ll get an exclusive tour of the FAA control tower.

The total impact of the state’s aerospace industry, both in terms of economic impact and number of jobs created is extensive and will continue to grow as long as we continue to provide and maintain the infrastructure of our airport and aviation facilities.

On Feb. 22, AZRE hosted the 6th Annual, 2011 RED Awards reception at the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix to recognize the most notable commercial real estate projects of 2010 and the construction teams involved. AZRE held an open call for nominations and more than 100 architects, contractors, developers and brokerage firms participated in the process. All the winning projects and brokers are featured on the following pages.

West Terminal Expansion, Phase 1

The West Terminal Expansion project epitomizes the growth and rising popularity of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport during the past 15 years as a redevelopment civilian-use airport. It is a prime model for the successful collaboration effort that drove the redevelopment of a former military base, Williams AFB, which closed in 1993. The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Authority’s planning and forward thinking are credited for guiding the project from a shuttered facility to the Southeast Valley’s top destination for a burgeoning aerospace industry and higher education. The area is also home to the ASU Polytechnic Campus, EV Institute of Technology and Chandler-Gilbert CC. The project includes a new, 25,000 SF building, a remodel of the existing passenger terminal, and expanded arrival/departure roadway and convenient parking. A unique amenity is the post-security courtyard, where passengers can linger in shaded landscaped gardens connected to the new building’s food and beverage concession and patio seating.